Reviews tagging 'Drug abuse'

Brutally Honest by Melanie Brown, Louise Gannon

4 reviews

x_miss_mcrae_x's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

3.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting

e11en's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt

bookswithlauren's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

I have always been a fan of Mel B, so when she brought out her own book, I was really looking forward to reading it. 

The title of the book is cleverly chosen as she really was brutally honest throughout. Mel B does not shy away from details of her abusive relationship, enjoyment of sex, struggles with drugs and alcohol, or her family life. This makes it such an important tool for other people to learn, to feel seen, to relate to. It is admirable and brave to be so honest in a world full of criticism.

I really enjoyed reading this book and despite the somewhat chaotic structuring of the book, it was a reflection on Mel B's ADHD and her choice to keep the structuring the way her brain created it, is in itself a tool to others and a way for other people with the condition to feel understood and seen.

Having the audiobook narrated partly by Mel and other members of her family and friends only increased the connection with the reader and enjoyment of the book.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail

zoegrace's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5

This is an incredible read. I highly recommend the audiobook version of this book. Mel left a beautiful author's message explaining how she made the writing and recording process accessible for her. At the end of the audiobook is also an interview with her and Louise Gannon unpacking their method for writing the book as Mel was navigating PTSD. 
Please see the content warnings as this book contains graphic content on: domestic violence, sexual violence, addiction, substance abuse and PTSD.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual assault, Violence, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment